I’ve done a 3 round mock draft this time, with trades in the first round only. A couple of the trades are absolute blockbusters. A quick recap:

* Lamar Jackson to Indianapolis for a bevy of picks, including the #4 pick in this draft.

If, and granted, it’s a big IF, Baltimore were to trade Jackson, I think this trade makes the most sense. Baltimore would put themselves in position to draft a successor at QB. Meanwhile, Indy would make the splash at QB that owner Jim Irsay has been demanding.

* Aaron Rodgers to the Jets for a package that includes picks #13 & 42 (at least).

If I’m the Jets, I wouldn’t trade a first round pick for a 39 year old QB who may be only a one year rental, but Green Bay has the leverage here, and they know it. New York put all their eggs in the Rodgers basket, it’ll cost them.

* The Giants jump from #25 to #19 in a trade with Tampa Bay.

* Dallas moves up 2 spots from #26 to #24 in a trade with Jacksonville.

* The Rams move into the first round in a trade with Philadelphia, acquiring pick #30 for a package including pick #36.

Now, on to the mock:

ROUND ONE

1. CAROLINA PANTHERS- CJ Stroud, QB, Ohio State

2. HOUSTON TEXANS- Bryce Young, QB, Alabama

Basically, these two picks are interchangeable. Stroud & Young will be the first 2 names called, only the order is to be determined. It depends on Carolina. I think they’ll go Stroud, leaving Young for Houston.

3. ARIZONA CARDINALS- Will Anderson, EDGE, Alabama: Anderson being the third name called is locked. Unless Arizona trades the pick, Anderson will be a Cardinal.

4. BALTIMORE RAVENS (from Indy)- Anthony Richardson, QB, Florida: Baltimore moves on from Lamar Jackson with a younger, bigger, stronger version. Not the runner Jackson is (who is?), but maybe a stronger passer. Richardson’s ceiling may be higher than both Stroud & Young.

5. SEATTLE SEAHAWKS– Tyree Wilson, EDGE, Texas Tech: I’ve played around with Seattle taking a QB here, but that was with Richardson on the board. With him gone, I think the Seahawks may consider Jalen Carter, but ultimately go with the long & bendy Wilson.

6. DETROIT LIONS– Christian Gonzalez, CB, Oregon: Lions taking the top corner with this pick feels like a safe bet, right now I think that’s Gonzalez.

7. LAS VEGAS RAIDERS- Paris Johnson Jr, OT, Ohio State: Vegas could consider a QB here, but I think they’ll opt to give Jimmy G the best tackle in the draft.

8. ATLANTA FALCONS- Devon Witherspoon, CB, Illinois: I think the Falcons might strongly consider Jalen Carter here, but ultimately pass in favor of cornerback 1A, Witherspoon.

9. CHICAGO BEARS- Broderick Jones, OT, Georgia: Jones isn’t far behind Paris Johnson on the OT list, and his ceiling may be higher.

10. PHILADELPHIA EAGLES- Myles Murphy, EDGE, Clemson: Philly doesn’t have many holes, going with the top edge rusher on the board in Murphy, makes sense.

11. TENNESSEE TITANS- Peter Skoronski, OT, Northwestern: Tennessee might consider Will Levis here, but I think they’ll pass. Skoronski is probably the top offensive lineman in the draft, but he’s probably going to have to kick inside to guard in the NFL. This works for the Titans, who have needs all along their line.

12. HOUSTON TEXANS- Jaxon Smith-Njigba, WR, Ohio State: No matter which QB Houston ends up with, pairing him with the best WR in the class is a home run.

13. GREEN BAY PACKERS (from Jets)- Nolan Smith, EDGE, Georgia: Part of the package Green Bay gets for Rodgers. Smith is a freak athlete on the edge, quickly rising up draft boards.

14. NEW ENGLAND PATRIOTS- Lukas Van Ness, EDGE, Iowa: I just know that Belichick will go defense here, pairing Van Ness (the name just sounds like a Patriot) with Matthew Judon will terrorize AFC East QBs.

15. GREEN BAY PACKERS- Joey Porter Jr, CB, Penn State: Packers stay on the defensive side with their original first round pick.

16. WASHINGTON COMMANDERS- Cam Smith, CB, South Carolina: Washington might consider Will Levis, but ultimately goes with cornerback Smith.

17. PITTSBURGH STEELERS- Calijah Kancey, IDL, Pittsburgh: Steelers stay close to home for the second straight year and grab a DT many have compared to Aaron Donald.

18. DETROIT LIONS- Will Levis, QB, Kentucky: After passing on him with their first pick, Detroit stops Levis’ slide as the eventual successor to Jared Goff.

19. NEW YORK GIANTS (from TB)- Quentin Johnston, WR, TCU: Giants see some WR needy teams in front of them and swing a deal to move up from 25.

20. SEATTLE SEAHAWKS- Jalen Carter, IDL, Georgia: Seattle passed on Carter with their first pick. His off field issues & questionable work ethic cause him to fall to 20, where the Seahawks decide he’s worth the gamble.

21. LOS ANGELES CHARGERS- Jordan Addison, WR, USC: Injuries decimated the Chargers receiving corps last season, drafting another weapon for Justin Herbert seems essential.

22. BALTIMORE RAVENS- Deonte Banks, CB, Maryland: Ravens opt for secondary help over a receiver for their new QB.

23. MINNESOTA VIKINGS- Isaiah Foskey, EDGE, Notre Dame: Fairly confident Minnesota will go defense with this pick, here it’s an edge rusher.

24. DALLAS COWBOYS (from Jax)- Bijan Robinson, RB, Texas: Jerry Jones can’t help himself, he sees a franchise RB within his grasp and trades up to get him.

25. TAMPA BAY BUCCANEERS (from NYG)- Adetomiwa Adebawore, EDGE, Northwestern: Tampa moves down six spots and plucks one of my favorite players in this draft.

26. JACKSONVILLE JAGUARS (from Dallas)- Brian Branch, S, Alabama: Jacksonville adds a little draft capital to move back 2 spots and still get the guy they probably would have taken at 24. Branch is easily the best safety in the class.

27. BUFFALO BILLS– O’Cyrus Torrence, IOL, Florida: Buffalo picking Torrence has been my most consistent pick outside the top ten.

28. CINCINNATI BENGALS- Dalton Kincaid, TE, Utah: Adding a truly great pass catching TE to Joe Burrow’s collection of weapons makes this a truly scary offense.

29. NEW ORLEANS SAINTS- BJ Ojulari, EDGE, LSU: Saints take another first round shot at an edge rusher, hopefully with better results.

30. LOS ANGELES RAMS (from Philly)- Hendon Hooker, QB, Tennessee: Rams move into the back of the first round to secure a fifth year option on a QB, who would have been a first round lock had he not gotten injured.

31. KANSAS CITY CHIEFS- Jalin Hyatt, WR, Tennessee: Super Bowl champs add a speed threat they’ve lacked without Tyreek Hill.

ROUND TWO

• 32. PITTSBURGH- Anton Harrison, OT, Oklahoma
• 33. HOUSTON- Dawand Jones, OT, Ohio State
• 34. ARIZONA- Bryan Bresee, IDL, Clemson
• 35. INDIANAPOLIS COLTS- Darnell Wright, OT, Tennessee: Indy traded the fourth overall pick (and more) for Lamar Jackson, now they better protect him.
• 36. PHILADELPHIA (from LA Rams)- Trenton Simpson, LB, Clemson
• 37. SEATTLE- Zay Flowers, WR, Boston College
• 38. LAS VEGAS- Kelee Ringo, CB, Georgia
• 39. CAROLINA- Josh Downs, WR, North Carolina
• 40. NEW ORLEANS- Clark Phillips III, CB, Utah
• 41. TENNESSEE- John Michael Schmitz, IOL, Minnesota
• 42. GREEN BAY (from NYJ)- Darnell Washington, TE, Georgia
• 43. NY JETS- Keion White, EDGE, Georgia Tech
• 44. ATLANTA- Tuli Tuipuloto, EDGE, USC
• 45. GREEN BAY- Mazi Smith, IDL, Michigan
• 46. NEW ENGLAND- Jack Campbell, LB, Iowa
• 47. WASHINGTON- Steve Avila, IOL, TCU
• 48. DETROIT- Michael Mayer, TE, Notre Dame
• 49. PITTSBURGH- Drew Sanders, LB, Arkansas
• 50. TAMPA BAY- Jahmyr Gibbs, RB, Alabama
• 51. MIAMI DOLPHINS- Felix Anudike-Uzomah, EDGE, Kansas State: Miami’s first pick goes to their pass rush.
• 52. SEATTLE- Emmanuel Forbes, CB, Mississippi State
• 53. CHICAGO- Gervon Dexter, IDL, Florida
• 54. LA CHARGERS- Tyrique Stevenson, CB, Miami-Fl
• 55. DETROIT- Cody Mauch, OT, North Dakota State
• 56. JACKSONVILLE- Julius Brents, CB, Kansas State
• 57. NY GIANTS- Eli Ricks, CB, Alabama
• 58. DALLAS- Cedric Tillman, WR, Tennessee
• 59. BUFFALO- Derick Hall, EDGE, Auburn
• 60. CINCINNATI- Jaelyn Duncan, OT, Maryland
• 61. CHICAGO- Joe Tippmann, IOL, Wisconsin
• 62. PHILADELPHIA- Antonio Johnson, S, Texas A&M
• 63. KANSAS CITY- DJ Turner, CB, Michigan

ROUND THREE

• 64. CHICAGO- Zach Harrison, EDGE, Ohio State
• 65. HOUSTON- Noah Sewell, LB, Oregon
• 66. ARIZONA- Rashee Rice, WR, SMU
• 67. DENVER BRONCOS- JL Skinner, S, Boise State
• 68. DENVER- Andre Carter II, EDGE, Army: Denver didn’t have picks in the first 2 rounds because of the acquisitions of QB Russell Wilson & HC Sean Payton. They use back to back picks here to address their defense.
• 69. LA RAMS- Blake Freeland, OT, BYU
• 70. LAS VEGAS- Tanner McKee, QB, Stanford
• 71. NEW ORLEANS- Luke Musgrave, TE, Oregon State
• 72. TENNESSEE- Marvin Mims, WR, Oklahoma
• 73. HOUSTON- Siaki Ika, IDL, Baylor
• 74. CLEVELAND BROWNS- Henry To’o To’o, LB, Alabama: Cleveland’s first pick goes to defense.
• 75. ATLANTA- Matthew Bergeron, OT, Syracuse
• 76. NEW ENGLAND- Kayshon Boutte, WR, LSU
• 77. LA RAMS- Kyu Blu Kelly, CB, Stanford
• 78. GREEN BAY- Sydney Brown, S, Illinois
• 79. INDIANAPOLIS- Tucker Kraft, TE, South Dakota State
• 80. PITTSBURGH- Jarrett Patterson, IOL, Notre Dame
• 81. DETROIT- Owen Pappoe, LB, Auburn
• 82. TAMPA BAY- Luke Wypler, IOL, Ohio State
• 83. SEATTLE- Daiyan Henley, LB, Washington State
• 84. MIAMI- Zach Charbonnet, RB, UCLA
• 85. LA CHARGERS- Will McDonald IV, EDGE, Iowa State
• 86. BALTIMORE- Xavier Hutchinson, WR, Iowa State
• 87. MINNESOTA- Darius Rush, CB, South Carolina
• 88. JACKSONVILLE- Warren McLendon, OT, Georgia
• 89. NY GIANTS- Jordan Battle, S, Alabama
• 90. DALLAS- Sam LaPorta, TE, Iowa
• 91. BUFFALO- Tyler Scott, WR, Cincinnati
• 92. CINCINNATI- Devon Achane, RB, Texas A&M
• 93. CAROLINA- Jaylon Jones, CB, Texas A&M
• 94. PHILADELPHIA- Zach Evans, RB, Ole Miss
• 95. KANSAS CITY- Ivan Pace Jr, LB, Cincinnati
• 96. ARIZONA (c)- Brandon Joseph, S, Notre Dame
• 97. WASHINGTON (c)- Carter Warren, OT, Pittsburgh
• 98. CLEVELAND (c)- Keeanu Benton, IDL, Wisconsin
• 99. SAN FRANCISCO 49ERS (c)- Christopher Smith II, S, Georgia
• 100. LAS VEGAS (c)- Cameron Latu, TE, Alabama
• 101. SAN FRANCISCO (c)- Jartavius Martin, CB, Illinois
• 102. SAN FRANCISCO (c)- Jayden Reed, WR, Michigan State: The Niners don’t pick until the end of the third round, they use 2 picks on the secondary and one on an ascending WR.

(c) denotes compensatory pick

Another week, another 8 team seven round mock. Like 3.18, I tried to keep the first round selections the same as 3.0. I did these 8 teams so there’s no overlapping between them, but there will probably be some overlapping with teams in 3.18.

DALLAS COWBOYS

I had Dallas take Dalton Kincaid in 3.0, he’s off the board here so I chose Michael Mayer as the replacement for Dalton Schultz.

Devon Achane should be a nice replacement for Zeke and a good complement to Tony Pollard.

Took a seventh round flyer on developmental QB Clayton Tune.

DENVER BRONCOS

Denver doesn’t make their first selection until the third round because of the acquisitions of Russell Wilson & Sean Payton.

I used all of their limited picks on defense, since they addressed offense mostly in free agency.

Zacch Pickens should be a nice replacement for Dre’Mont Jones.

DETROIT LIONS

In 3.0, I had Detroit stopping Jalen Carter’s fall at pick 18. He’s off the board in this one, but Anthony Richardson fell, so I pounced. The Lions are one of my two favorite landing spots for Richardson, who needs time to develop behind a seasoned veteran.

I went heavy on defense for Detroit.

Tucker Kraft will be their replacement for TJ Hockenson.

GREEN BAY PACKERS

Darnell Washington is an absolute steal in the second round.

Stetson Bennett will have a decent career as a back up QB in the NFL, Green Bay needs one with Jordan Love taking over.

HOUSTON TEXANS

In 3.0, I have Houston taking CJ Stroud at 2, he goes #1 here, so I pivot to Bryce Young.

Pairing Jaxon Smith-Njigba with Stroud would have been a home run, pairing him with Young is still pretty lethal.

The Texans have a lot of picks, so I ended up doubling down on some positions like TE & CB.

Young’s Alabama teammate, Cameron Latu, feels like a steal in the late 6th round.

INDIANAPOLIS COLTS

Indianapolis might end up regretting not being more aggressive in moving up, but I think Will Levis has been their guy for awhile.

Double dipped at TE with Zack Kuntz & Brenton Strange, but both are rather raw projects with plenty of potential.

JACKSONVILLE JAGUARS

For the first time since 2020, Jacksonville isn’t picking first overall.

I have a strong feeling the Jaguars first pick will be a defensive back, so I’m sticking with Cam Smith.

Davis Allen in the late sixth round is solid value.

KANSAS CITY CHIEFS

Zay Flowers was my Chiefs pick in 3.0, but he’s off the board here. Instead, I selected Jalin Hyatt, who will give them the speed threat Tyreek Hill once did.

Jammie Robinson will step into the void left by Tyrann Mathieu in Kansas City.

Kenny McInthosh adds to KC’s collection of multi-purpose RBs.

Over the next month I’ll do seven round mocks for all 32 teams. I’ll do 8 teams at a time, simultaneously, so there won’t be any overlapping players within each group of eight.

For these mocks I am not projecting any trades. I did try to keep each team’s first round selection the same as I had for Mock Draft 3.0.

ARIZONA CARDINALS

Unless Arizona trades out of #3, Will Anderson to the Cardinals is the surest thing in this draft.

Rashee Rice is my favorite pick for the Cardinals.

ATLANTA FALCONS

In 3.0 I had Atlanta trading up for Anthony Richardson. He’s off the board this time, so I pivoted to defense & took the top CB, Devon Witherspoon.

I gave the Falcons a QB in the fourth round, Tanner McKee is QB5 on a lot of draft boards.

Ricky Stromberg in the seventh could be a steal.

BALTIMORE RAVENS

I had Baltimore trade up for Quentin Johnston in 3.0, he’s off the board at #22, but they still land a WR in Jordan Addison.

With the uncertainty of the Lamar Jackson situation, I have the Ravens drafting a possible successor in Hendon Hooker.

BUFFALO BILLS LOL

Buffalo drafting O’Cyrus Torrence is one of my more consistent picks. I really like the fit.

Tyler Scott has speed for days which will make the Bills’ offense even more dangerous.

CAROLINA PANTHERS

I explained in 3.0 why I switched Carolina’s choice at #1 from CJ Stroud to Bryce Young.

Adding Young’s Alabama teammate, Jahmyr Gibbs, was a nice pick, but I should have also targeted a WR.

CHICAGO BEARS

In 3.0 I had the Bears trading back and drafting Broderick Jones, so I had them take him at #9 this time.

As Bears fan, I’d be thrilled to land Adetomiwa Adebawore & John Michael Schmitz in the second.

I hate the idea of drafting kickers, but Chicago has a ton of picks, so I picked Jake Moody with the next to last pick of the draft.

CINCINNATI BENGALS

Just like 3.0, Dalton Kincaid is off the board, so I have Cincinnati pivot to the offensive line and take Anton Harrison.

I have the Bengals grabbing their TE in the third round with Tucker Kraft.

CLEVELAND BROWNS

Cleveland doesn’t have a first round pick, so this is my first time mocking any draft picks for them.

The Browns first pick, Keion White, has been rising up draft boards.

Kayshon Boutte has first round talent, but off field issues push him down to the fourth round.

Cleveland picks Jake Haener in the sixth round to develop behind Deshaun Watson.

First wave of free agency is over. There will still be some lesser signings, roster moves and, of course, trades that could shake up the draft. For now, this is how I envision the first round:

PICKS 1-10 (Comments after)

1. CAROLINA PANTHERS- This is a change. I’ve had Stroud here, but Adam Schefter is reporting that Carolina is leaning towards Young. I trust Schefter. 2. HOUSTON TEXANS- Obviously, another change, Panthers & Texans flip flop QBs 3. ARIZONA CARDINALS- Prime trade back candidate, for now ‘Zona stays put for the best player in the draft. 4. INDIANAPOLIS COLTS- I think Levis has been their guy all along. 5. ATLANTA FALCONS- Falcons are the team I have making the move for Richardson, though I like the idea of either Seattle or Detroit landing and stashing him. 6. DETROIT LIONS- With Richardson gone, Detroit has no reason not to go defense. 7. LAS VEGAS RAIDERS- With what they’re paying Jimmy G, I don’t see a QB move here, protecting him is the move. 8. SEATTLE SEAHAWKS- Seattle moves back 3 spots and still gets one of the guys they were probably eyeing at 5. 9. NEW ENGLAND PATRIOTS- With Johnson & Wilson off the board, Chicago is open to moving back, NE wants to jump Philly for a CB. 10. PHILADELPHIA EAGLES- Eagles still go CB.

PICKS 11-20

11. TENNESSEE TITANS- Titans are a dark horse candidate to make a move for a QB. 12. HOUSTON TEXANS- Texans get their new QB1 a WR1. 13. MINNESOTA VIKINGS- Minnesota makes a move to jump all their division rivals to land the top edge rusher on the board. 14. CHICAGO BEARS- Bears move down, adding an important second rounder, and take a RT who may be the best scheme fit for them. 15. GREEN BAY PACKERS- Packers don’t take receivers in the first round, they do take edge rushers. 16. BALTIMORE RAVENS- Baltimore makes a move to land a bona fide number 1 WR. 17. PITTSBURGH STEELERS- Bresee just feels like a great fit for Pittsburgh. 18. DETROIT LIONS- No player is more polarizing in this draft, nor can throw it on its head like Jalen Carter. His talent is top 5, but off field issues and questionable professionalism could drive him at least this far down the board. 19. PHILADELPHIA EAGLES- Philly makes a move for a lead back to not only replace Miles Sanders, but surpass him. 20. SEATTLE SEAHAWKS- Seahawks front line will be scary with Kancey, Tyree Wilson and free agent addition Dre’mont Jones.

Picks 21-31

21. LOS ANGELES CHARGERS- Chargers get Justin Herbert a reliable security blanket. 22. WASHINGTON COMMANDERS- Washington goes CB after trading down a few spots. 23. NEW YORK JETS- Branch might have been the top target on their board at 13, but Jets get better value by moving down. 24. JACKSONVILLE JAGUARS- Had a tough choice between CB & OT for Jacksonville, opted for CB. 25. NEW YORK GIANTS- Giants have a true #1 WR fall into their laps. 26. DALLAS COWBOYS- Cowboys go with a replacement & possibly an upgrade over Dalton Schultz. 27. BUFFALO BILLS- I’ve been mocking OL to the Bills quite often. 28. CINCINNATI BENGALS- With Kincaid off the board, Bengals pivot to the OL. 29. NEW ORLEANS SAINTS- Saints add an athletic freak to their pass rush. 30. TAMPA BAY BUCCANEERS- Bucs add draft capital to kick start their rebuild, then take the top corner on the board. 31. KANSAS CITY CHIEFS- Chiefs lost Smith-Schuster in free agency, Flowers may be an upgrade.

I’ll probably do a three round mock in a couple weeks, and maybe a full seven rounder after that. Barring trades or any news that could significantly shake things up, that should be it until draft week.

Just a quick mock on the eve of free agency, reflecting the big trade between the Chicago Bears & Carolina Panthers.

Here we are, on the cusp of free agency frenzy, and I’m doing another mock draft that I swore I wouldn’t do. The problem is, my last mock was kind of a knee jerk reaction to the Jalen Carter news. I’ve revised my thinking on how far he falls down the board.

Since publishing Mock Draft 2.3, there has also been some QB news. Derek Carr is now a Saint, and getting PAID! Speaking of getting paid, Geno Smith got paid by Seattle. Still some QB dominoes to fall, but I don’t think they’re going to be the major, earth shattering moves that most want to talk about.

Aaron Rodgers will still be a Packer. Lamar Jackson will still be in Baltimore. I think the Raiders will sign Jimmy G. I think Tampa Bay will land Baker Mayfield. I think, to the dismay of Jets fans, that Zach Wilson will get one more chance, because they don’t really have any other options.

I’ve also clarified my thoughts on what happens with the number one overall pick. I’ve known from the end of the 2022 regular season that Chicago would trade the pick, the popular trade partner has been Indianapolis, but I don’t think Indy will give up the capital the Bears want, because at 4 their guaranteed a QB, and they all shined at the combine.

No, I think it’s Carolina that’s desperate enough to give up the haul Ryan Poles wants, specifically 3 firsts; this year’s and the next two. They have to make a move, they won’t get one at number nine. Moving to three, in a trade with Arizona, would be cheaper but still pricey, but if you’re going to spend why not go all in and get YOUR guy?

With all that said, let’s kick this pig!

*TRADE*

Carolina receives pick #1, Chicago receives picks #9 & 39, Carolina’s first & second round picks in 2024 & their first round pick in 2025.

1. CAROLINA PANTHERS- CJ Stroud, QB, Ohio State: Like I said, go get your guy. I just think Stroud is new HC Frank Reich’s guy. The total package. Size, athleticism, accuracy, strong arm and results.

2. HOUSTON TEXANS- Bryce Young, QB, Alabama: Young would be the slam dunk first overall pick if he was five inches taller and 20 pounds heavier. He’s smaller, but he’s shown what he can do on the field.

3. ARIZONA CARDINALS- Will Anderson, EDGE, Alabama: Cardinals explore trading back, but ultimately decide to stay put and add a generational pass rusher.

4. INDIANAPOLIS COLTS- Will Levis, QB, Kentucky: GM Chris Ballard has said Indy is fine staying at 4, I think this is why. I think they’ve had their eye on Levis for awhile.

5. SEATTLE SEAHAWKS- Tyree Wilson, EDGE, Texas Tech: Seattle re-signed Geno Smith, but that doesn’t necessarily take them out of the QB market, and they could be a trade back target for QB needy teams like Tennessee or Tampa Bay, but I think they’ll stay put and take a super long pass rusher with a very high ceiling.

6. DETROIT LIONS- Jalen Carter, IDL, Georgia: Detroit has a decision here. On one hand, I think Detroit is a perfect landing spot for Anthony Richardson, a QB with all the tools that needs some seasoning. With Jared Goff on board, there would be no rush to push him on the field. However, Carter could transform this defense and make Detroit a playoff team and fringe contender in a weak NFC.

7. LAS VEGAS RAIDERS- Anthony Richardson, QB, Florida: Yes, I think Vegas signs Jimmy G in free agency, but he’s not a long term solution. He just allows the Raiders to bring a rookie along slowly while still being competitive. As I said before, Richardson has tremendous potential as the most athletically gifted QB in this draft.

8. ATLANTA FALCONS- Lukas Van Ness, EDGE, Iowa: Interestingly there hasn’t been a whole lot of buzz connecting Atlanta to any QBs. They’re an under the radar team, maybe they’ll be the one to give Carson Wentz a fourth chance? Here they take a pass rusher with a ton of untapped potential.

9. CHICAGO BEARS- Jaxon Smith-Njigba, WR, Ohio State: Chicago extracted a king’s ransom from Carolina to move down into the perfect spot to land the WR1 of this class. An injury riddled 2022 season had pushed JSN down draft boards, but the NFL Combine sends him skyrocketing back up. This is the guy Justin Fields needs to take that next step.

10. PHILADELPHIA EAGLES- Devon Witherspoon, CB, Illinois: Philly should still be the favorite in the NFC this year, but they’re losing some key pieces to free agency, one of those is CB James Bradberry. Witherspoon could step right into that vacancy.

11. TENNESSEE TITANS- Peter Skoronski, OT, Northwestern: Tennessee is a team in transition. Will Ryan Tannehill be back? Will they actually move Derrick Henry? Plenty of questions to answer. They’ll go with the top OL in the draft, Skoronski may kick inside to guard because of his shorter arms, but he’s the best blocker in the draft.

12. HOUSTON TEXANS- Quentin Johnston, WR, TCU: Houston got their QB1 earlier, now they get him a WR1 to grow with.

13. NEW YORK JETS- Paris Johnson Jr, OT, Ohio State: Unless the Jets land Aaron Rodgers, which they won’t (sidebar: I’m sick of the yearly Aaron Rodgers drama, he’ll stay in GB, they don’t have the balls to trade him and he just wants the attention, he doesn’t want to prove his legacy elsewhere), I f do not see the Jets replacing Zach Wilson with a mid-level guy. Wilson is entering his third season, yes he’s been bad, but the potential is still there. NY uses this pick to improve the offensive line.

14. NEW ENGLAND PATRIOTS- Christian Gonzalez, CB, Oregon: Patriots need pass catchers for Mac Jones, but I can’t seen Belichick using a first round pick on one. Defense is his game, always has been. Pass defense will be the way New England goes.

15. GREEN BAY PACKERS- Brian Branch, S, Alabama: The Packers need for receivers isn’t as acute as some think. Christian Watson & Romeo Doubs flashed enough as rookies for GB to have confidence there. TE is possible, but I think only in a trade down. I couldn’t find a trade partner for them, so they stay here and take a perfect fit for the back end of their defense.

16. WASHINGTON COMMANDERS- Joey Porter Jr, CB, Penn State: Washington is one of those fringe QB needy teams. Pretty much out of range of a true franchise caliber QB, they have a young QB, Sam Howell, who may prove to be a decent starter. Here, they’ll go with the top corner on the board.

17. PITTSBURGH STEELERS- Calijah Kancey, IDL, Pittsburgh: I think Kancey will go higher than 17th, but I couldn’t find a fit earlier. The comparisons to Aaron Donald are legit, same school, similar size and athleticism and motor. I’m not saying Kancey is Donald 2.0, but the traits are there.

18. DETROIT LIONS- Deonte Banks, CB, Maryland: I stated previously that I think Detroit could be a playoff team with some tweaks. Those tweaks are almost all on the defensive side. They got the game wrecker for their front end earlier, now they strengthen the back end.

19. TAMPA BAY BUCCANEERS- Bryan Bresee, IDL, Clemson: Bresee should go higher, but again I couldn’t find a fit for an IDL. Tampa needs a QB, but I think they’ll grab a veteran with some upside like Baker Mayfield. It’s time Tampa got younger and cheaper everywhere.

*TRADE*

Buffalo receives pick #20, Seattle receives picks #27 & 59.

20. BUFFALO BILLS- Anton Harrison, OT, Oklahoma: Buffalo moves up to grab the top offensive lineman on the board.

21. LOS ANGELES CHARGERS- Dalton Kincaid, TE, Utah: In a deep TE class, Kincaid may be the best of them. Justin Herbert could use a reliable security blanket at TE.

22. BALTIMORE RAVENS- Nolan Smith, EDGE, Georgia: WR is possible, but an athletic freak like Smith seems like a Ravens type player.

23. MINNESOTA VIKINGS- Myles Murphy, EDGE, Clemson: Murphy has been usurped in recent weeks by other edge rushers, but Minnesota will be happy to add him to their lackluster defense.

24. JACKSONVILLE JAGUARS- Broderick Jones, OT, Georgia: Jags could lose Jawaan Taylor in free agency, they draft his replacement.

25. NEW YORK GIANTS- Jordan Addison, WR, USC: Giants have one of the worst receiving corps in the NFL, adding one of the most complete WR in the class is a must.

26. DALLAS COWBOYS- Michael Mayer, TE, Notre Dame: Dalton Schultz is a free agent, even if he ultimately re-signs, Dallas needs more pass catchers.

27. SEATTLE SEAHAWKS- Mazi Smith, IDL, Michigan: Seattle continues to rebuild its defense after trading back.

28. CINCINNATI BENGALS- Dawand Jones, OT, Ohio State: Bengals get a massive, MASSIVE, protector for Joe Burrow.

29. NEW ORLEANS SAINTS- Adetomiwa Adebawore, EDGE, Northwestern: Athletic freak of a pass rusher finds himself in the first round after shooting up draft boards.

30. PHILADELPHIA EAGLES- Bijan Robinson, RB, Texas: This Eagles offense will be scary, and virtually unstoppable if they add the best RB prospect since Saquon Barkley.

31. KANSAS CITY CHIEFS- Zay Flowers, WR, Boston College: Chiefs just won a Super Bowl with a patchwork group of receivers. Adding a dynamic home run threat will only make them scarier.

I know, I know, I swore I wouldn’t do another mock draft before free agency, barring a trade. Well, the news of Jalen Carter’s implication in the death of a teammate and Georgia football staffer has sent ripples through the draft just like a trade would.

How will it affect his draft status? Hard to say, for sure, because we still have nearly 2 months until draft day. He could ultimately reclaim his previous status as one of the top two non quarterbacks in this class.

For now, I think it drops him completely out of the top ten. There’s too much talent there for him to fall completely out of the first round, but that could also change.

With that being said, let’s get to it.

*TRADE*

Seattle trades picks #5, 20 & 37 to Chicago for pick #1

1. SEATTLE SEAHAWKS- Bryce Young, QB, Alabama: The first surprise of the draft. Seattle has Geno Smith, maybe, but Pete Carroll has made it clear he’s looking at these QBs. They have one thing the other suitors don’t, an extra first this year. That should sway Chicago.

There’s been a lot of talk about Young’s size, or lack there of, but Seattle has vast experience with a smaller QB (Russell Wilson). All of Young’s intangibles will outweigh his smaller physical stature.

2. HOUSTON TEXANS- CJ Stroud, QB, Ohio State: Houston has an extra first this year, as well, but they’re unwilling to part with it to move up one spot, especially when Stroud is a pretty good consolation prize.

3. ARIZONA CARDINALS: Will Anderson, EDGE, Alabama: Cardinals explore trading back, but with Anderson still on the board, they hold at 3. Anderson may be the one ‘can’t miss’ prospect in this class.

4. INDIANAPOLIS COLTS- Will Levis, QB, Kentucky: Colts GM Chris Ballard has said the Colts are fine not trading up for a QB, that may be a smoke screen or it may be because Levis has been their guy and they figure he’ll still be on the board.

5. CHICAGO BEARS- Tyree Wilson, EDGE, Texas Tech: Trading with Seattle is enticing for Chicago a couple reasons. One is the extra first rounder in this draft and the other is staying in the top five.

It’s really starting to look like Wilson is their guy, he fits their 4-3 scheme better than Will Anderson, and with Jalen Carter’s fall down the board, he might not be on the board if they go any further down.

*TRADE*

Carolina trades picks #9 & 61 to Detroit for pick #6.

6. CAROLINA PANTHERS- Anthony Richardson, QB, Florida: Carolina can’t wait any longer, they need to get their QB. Richardson is the biggest project of the possible first round QBs, but he may have the highest ceiling.

7. LAS VEGAS RAIDERS- Paris Johnson Jr, OT, Ohio State: Raiders will probably get their QB in free agency or via a trade, here they’ll strengthen his protection.

8. ATLANTA FALCONS- Myles Murphy, EDGE, Clemson: I’m convinced Atlanta will go defense here. They could have their pick of corners, but opt instead for an edge rusher.

9. DETROIT LIONS- Devon Witherspoon, CB, Illinois: Detroit happily pounces on the top corner on the board.

*TRADE*

NY Jets trade picks #13, 74 & 145 to Philadelphia for pick #10.

10. NEW YORK JETS- Peter Skoronski, OT, Northwestern: Jets leapfrog Tennessee to grab the top OT on the board.

11. TENNESSEE TITANS- Quentin Johnston, WR, TCU: With Skoronski off the board, Tennessee pivots to WR.

12. HOUSTON TEXANS- Jordan Addison, WR, USC: Houston gets their new QB a number one WR to grow with.

13. PHILADELPHIA EAGLES- Christian Gonzalez, CB, Oregon: Philadelphia adds a couple more picks and then snags a replacement for James Bradberry.

14. NEW ENGLAND PATRIOTS- Joey Porter Jr, CB, Penn State: WR is a huge need, but I feel like Belichick will go defense here.

15. GREEN BAY PACKERS- Michael Mayer, TE, Notre Dame: First, Aaron Rodgers will be the Packers QB in 2023. Now that that’s out of the way, let’s get him some help, the top TE in the class would do that.

*TRADE*

Detroit trades picks #18 & 154 to Washington for pick #16.

16. DETROIT LIONS- Jalen Carter, IDL, Georgia: Detroit moves up and stops Carter’s fall. Red flags aside, Carter is a massive talent.

17. PITTSBURGH STEELERS- Broderick Jones, OT, Georgia: Pittsburgh builds up the protection for Kenny Pickett.

*TRADE*

Jacksonville trades picks #24 & 88 to Washington for pick #18.

18. JACKSONVILLE JAGUARS- Brian Branch, S, Alabama: Jacksonville moves up to secure the top safety in the class.

*TRADE*

Philadelphia trades picks #30 & 74 to Tampa Bay for pick #19.

19. PHILADELPHIA EAGLES- Bijan Robinson, RB, Texas: Philly keeps wheeling and dealing, leapfrogging several teams to grab the best RB prospect since Saquon Barkley. Robinson could take this Eagles offense to a whole other level, scary.

20. CHICAGO BEARS- Jaxon Smith-Njigba, WR, Ohio State: The city of Chicago rejoices as GM Ryan Poles turns the number one pick into Tyree Wilson & a true number one receiver and one that Justin Fields is quite familiar with.

*TRADE*

NY Giants trade picks #25 & 100 to LA Chargers for pick #21.

21. NEW YORK GIANTS- Jalin Hyatt, WR, Tennessee: Giants jump ahead of Baltimore to snag the speedster from Tennessee to bolster one of the worst receiving corps in the NFL.

22. BALTIMORE RAVENS- Zay Flowers, WR, Boston College: Baltimore will ultimately sign Lamar Jackson to an extension, now they get him another weapon.

23. MINNESOTA VIKINGS- Lukas Van Ness, EDGE, Iowa: I’d be surprised if Minnesota doesn’t go defense with this pick.

24. WASHINGTON COMMANDERS- Kelee Ringo, CB, Georgia: After trading down twice, Washington lands what was once considered the top corner in the class.

25. LOS ANGELES CHARGERS- Dalton Kincaid, TE, Utah: Chargers drop down a few spots and add a stud TE for Justin Herbert.

26. DALLAS COWBOYS- Drew Sanders, LB, Arkansas: Pairing Sanders with Micah Parsons would give Dallas’ opponents’ nightmares.

27. BUFFALO BILLS- O’Cyrus Torrence, IOL, Florida: Bills grab the top interior lineman in the class.

28. CINCINNATI BENGALS- Cam Smith, CB, South Carolina: For a team with Super Bowl aspirations, like Cincinnati, pass defense is paramount in the AFC.

29. NEW ORLEANS SAINTS- Bryan Bresee, IDL, Clemson: Personally, I’m shocked Bresee is still on the board, but New Orleans should be perfectly happy about it.

30. TAMPA BAY BUCCANEERS- Nolan Smith, EDGE, Georgia: So many directions Tampa could go, but with the GOAT gone, it’s time to get younger and cheaper everywhere.

31. KANSAS CITY CHIEFS- Anton Harrison, OT, Oklahoma: Super Bowl champion Kansas City drafts a replacement for the possibly departing Orlando Brown.

I said I wouldn’t do another first round mock until after free agency frenzy, barring any trades beforehand, but I never said I wouldn’t do any mocks at all. I love mock draft season, I can’t get enough. For this one, I picked six teams and did full seven round mocks for each.

I picked these six because 1 is my team, the other 5 are teams I have friends that root for. It must be noted that I did each team’s mock separately, so there may be the same players listed for different teams.

I decided to include trades mainly because I’m pretty certain my Chicago Bears are going to trade out of the first overall pick, so I might as well do trades for everyone. I used Pro Football Focus’s mock draft machine because their trades are the most realistic.

Without further ado:

CHICAGO BEARS

Rd1, Pick9- Tyree Wilson, EDGE, Texas Tech

Rd2, Pick46- John Michael Schmitz, IOL, Minnesota

Rd2, Pick54- Siaki Ika, IDL, Baylor

Rd2, Pick61- Jack Campbell, LB, Iowa

Rd3, Pick64- Jalin Hyatt, WR, Tennessee

Rd3, Pick90- Cody Mauch, OT, North Dakota State

Rd4, Pick103- Kei’Trel Clark, CB, Louisville

Rd4, Pick117- Keondre Coburn, IDL, Texas

Rd4, Pick134- Andrew Vorhees, IOL, USC

Rd5, Pick137- Chase Brown, RB, Illinois

Rd5, Pick150- Rakim Jarrett, WR, Maryland

Rd5, Pick176- Connor Galvin, OT, Baylor

Rd7, Pick 220- Zack Kuntz, TE, Old Dominion

A lot went on here. I had Bears GM Ryan Poles wheeling & dealing. A quick recap of the trades:

Traded the #1 overall pick to Indianapolis for the #4 & #35 in this draft, PLUS Indy’s first & second rounders in 2024.

Traded the #4 pick to Carolina for #9 & #61 this year AND Carolina’s ‘24 first rounder.

Traded pick #35 to New England for picks #46, 76 & 117.

Traded pick #76 to Dallas for picks #90 & 176 this year AND Dallas’ 2024 fourth rounder.

So, double trade down in the first round? It’s possible, but unlikely. It’s good to think big in mock drafts though. Bears add 2 ‘24 firsts and get an edge (Wilson) that’s a better schematic fit than Will Anderson may be.

I was also able to add a day one starting center (Schmitz), a good rotational piece to the defensive line (Ika), a possible starting LB (Campbell), a speedy WR with a ton of potential (Hyatt), offensive line depth & a replacement for David Montgomery (Brown), should Monty leave in free agency.

Overall, I’m pretty pleased with this Bears mock. PFF gave this an A grade.

PITTSBURGH STEELERS

Rd1, Pick 17- Broderick Jones, OT, Georgia

Rd2, Pick32- Mazi Smith, IDL, Michigan

Rd2, Pick49- Garrett Williams, CB, Syracuse

Rd4, Pick 108- Cedric Tillman, WR, Tennessee

Rd4, Pick120- Ji’Ayir Brown, S, Penn State

Rd7, Pick236- Carlton Martial, LB, Troy

Rd7, Pick243- TJ Bass, OT, Oregon

I had the Steelers making one trade, sending pick #80 to Denver for pick #108 & Denver’s 2024 third & fourth rounders.

This is the first mock I’ve run where Pittsburgh doesn’t go defense in the first round. Jones should help protect Kenny Pickett, while Tillman will give him 3 high end receiver targets. Smith & Williams should be immediate contributors on defense.

PFF gave this Steelers mock draft an A- grade.

NEW YORK GIANTS

Rd1, Pick25- Zay Flowers, WR, Boston College

Rd2, Pick57- Trenton Simpson, LB, Clemson

Rd3, Pick93- Kendre Miller, RB, TCU

Rd3, Pick100- Jaquelin Roy, IDL, LSU

Rd4, Pick128- Trey Palmer, WR, Nebraska

Rd5, Pick162- Trey Dean III, S, Florida

Rd6, Pick209- Clayton Tune, QB, Houston

Rd6, Pick218- Darrell Luter Jr, CB, South Alabama

Rd7, Pick 242- Richard Gouraige, OT, Florida

Rd7, Pick245- Brenton Strange, TE, Penn State

Rd7, Pick254- Daniel Scott, S, California

Giants made one trade in this mock, sending pick #89 to Carolina for pick #93 and Carolina’s 2024 fifth rounder.

Flowers & Simpson should be immediate contributors and key pieces of the Giants’ future. Miller is a nice insurance policy in case Saquon Barkley leaves. NY will almost certainly pay QB Daniel Jones, and they’ll most certainly regret it. Taking flyers on late round QBs is never a bad idea.

PFF gave this mock an A- grade.

DALLAS COWBOYS

Rd1, Pick26- Bijan Robinson, RB, Texas

Rd2, Pick60- Trenton Simpson, LB, Clemson

Rd3, Pick90- JL Skinner, S, Boise State

Rd4, Pick129- Byron Young, IDL, Alabama

Rd5, Pick163- Luke Haggard, OT, Indiana

Rd5, Pick170- Emil Ekiyor Jr, IOL, Alabama

Rd5, Pick176- Luke Schoonmaker, TE, Michigan

Rd6, Pick212- Dee Winters, LB, TCU

Rd7, Pick246- Jalen Wayne, WR, South Alabama

The Cowboys trade pick #58 to Cincinnati for pick #60 AND Cincy’s fourth rounders in 2024 & 2025.

PFF didn’t like the Robinson pick as much as I did. Positional value and need, I guess. But, with Ezekiel Elliot nowhere near his prime, and Tony Pollard recovering from injury (assuming either remains with the team), I think Jerry Jones would love to add a stud RB from Texas.

PFF also didn’t like my Schoonmaker pick, but it’s up in the air if Dalton Schultz returns. I could have targeted a WR earlier than with their last pick, I suppose.

PFF gave this a B+ grade.

PHILADELPHIA EAGLES

Rd1, Pick13- Calijah Kancey, IDL, Pittsburgh

Rd1, Pick30- Bijan Robinson, RB, Texas

Rd2, Pick43- Tuli Tuipuloto, EDGE, USC

Rd2, Pick62- Trenton Simpson, LB, Clemson

Rd3, Pick94- Hendon Hooker, QB, Tennessee

Rd7, Pick221- Caleb Murphy, IOL, Indiana

Rd7, Pick250- Brandon Hill, S, Pittsburgh

Eagles traded pick #10 to the New York Jets for picks #13 & 43.

Philly is coming off a Super Bowl appearance and has no glaring needs, so I traded down from 10, at 13 I still wasn’t crazy about any of the players in that range and I looked to trade down again, but I couldn’t find a good match. Kancey could help replace Javon Hargraves and/or Brandon Graham if they leave.

PFF, once again, didn’t like the selection of Robinson, but I just think of how dangerous this Eagles offense would be with his addition, a huge upgrade over Miles Sanders & Boston Scott.

Philly is in a perfect position to take a chance on Hooker, whose skill set is closer to Jalen Hurts than Gardner Minshew is.

PFF grades this Eagles mock draft a B.

MIAMI DOLPHINS

Rd2, Pick52- John Michael Schmitz, IOL, Minnesota

Rd3, Pick77- Kelee Ringo, CB, Georgia

Rd3, Pick84- DeMarvion Overshown, LB, Texas

Rd6, Pick198- Ryan Hayes, OT, Michigan

Rd7, Pick240- Habakkuk Baldonado, EDGE, Pittsburgh

Miami only has five picks total, and doesn’t make their first selection until the end of the second round. Still, I think I did well for the Dolphins.

Schmitz, Ringo & Overshown should be immediate contributors and long term pieces. Hayes is good OL depth & you can never have too many pass rushers.

PFF gave this Dolphins mock a B+ grade.

That’s it, for now. If you’re reading this and would like to see seven round projections for any other team, please let me know. I’ll be happy to go down the mock draft rabbit hole, again.